Historic Buildings

Restoring Heritage At Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (AHC), built in 1463, is Shakespeare’s wife’s childhood home and one of England’s most iconic timber-framed houses. It is a Grade I listed structure of great cultural importance that now requires urgent conservation. Cracked mortar, decayed timbers and failing leadwork at the western chimney and adjoining walls are letting water into the building and threatening further damage. Our project will repair and strengthen this vulnerable end of the Cottage with internal and external works to make it sound and weather-tight. SBT’s Conservation Building Manager will lead the works, supported by a Specialist Conservation Builder and a Heritage Trainee who will gain traditional craft skills through hands-on experience. Volunteers and digital interpretation will help share the conservation story as it unfolds, ensuring that this remarkable Cottage – and the skills that preserve it – remain safeguarded for the 91,000 people who visit each year and for future generations.